Claims:We claim:
1. A steering lock system (200) for a vehicle (100) comprising:
a handle bar assembly (130) to enable manoeuvring of the vehicle (100) rotatably disposed in vicinity of said head tube (105A);
a handlebar position sensor (201) capable of sensing a position of said handle bar assembly (130) ;
acontrol unit (202) connected to an immobiliser key unit (203) to lock or immobilise said vehicle (100),
wherein said control unit (202) receives a signal from said handlebar position sensor (201) for said position of said handlebar assembly (130);
and
said key unit (203) actuates an electronic lock (204) provided in said handlebar assembly (130) depending on said position of said handle bar assembly (130).
2. The steering lock system (200) for a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said control unit is a vehicle ECU (202).
3. The steering lock system (200) for a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said control unit (202) is connected to a start switch of said vehicle (100).
4. The steering lock system (200) of a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said control unit (202) is connected to said immobiliser key unit through a CAN line or at least a wireless means.
5. The steering lock system (200) of a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said control unit (202) and key unit (203) are connected through CAN lines.
6. The steering lock system (200) of a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said control unit (202) is connected to an indication device (205) to indicate said position of said handlebar assembly (130),
wherein, said position is a handlebar locking position and a handlebar un-locking position.
7. The steering lock system (200) of a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said indication device (205) is an alarm device such as a beeper.
8. The steering lock system (200) of a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said indication device (205) is an illuminating device such as an LED on an instrument cluster disposed on said handlebar assembly (130).
9. The steering lock system (200) of a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said vehicle (100) is a two-wheeled vehicle and a three wheeled vehicle.
10. A steering lock system (200) for a vehicle (100) comprising:
a handle bar assembly (130) to enable manoeuvring of the vehicle (100) wherein the handlebar is rotatably disposed in vicinity of said head tube (105A);
a handlebar position sensor (201) capable of sensing a position of said handle bar assembly (130) ;
a control unit (202) connected to an immobiliser key unit (203) to lock or immobilise said vehicle (100),
wherein said control unit (202) receives a signal from said handlebar position sensor (201) for said position of said handlebar assembly (130);
and
said control unit (202) actuates an electronic lock (204) provided in said handlebar assembly (130) depending on said position of said handle bar assembly (130).
11. A method to actuate a steering lock system (200) in a vehicle (100) comprising the steps of:
checking whether said vehicle (200) is in a OFF condition by a control unit (202);
determining a position of a handlebar assembly (130);
checking said position for a predetermined time;
enabling an immobilisation key unit (203) through said control unit;and
actuating an electronic lock (204).
12. The method to actuate a steering lock system (200) in a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein checking said position of said handlebar assembly (130) comprises the steps of:
enabling a timer in said control unit (202) when said position of said handlebar assembly (130) is a locking position; and
disabling said timer in said control unit (202) when said position of said handlebar assembly (130) is an un-locking position.
13. The method to actuate a steering lock system (200) in a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein actuating an electronic lock (204) comprises the steps of:
enabling one or more of an indication device (205); comprising of one or more of an
illuminating LED device provided in an instrument cluster; a beeper in said vehicle (100) or a handheld device. , Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter generally relates to a vehicle. The present subject matter specifically but not exclusively relates to mounting of a steering lock system in a vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A saddle type vehicle generally has a steering shaft lock and a saddle compartment locks. The steering shaft lock is provided on the front portion, leg shield, of the vehicle body while the saddle compartment locks are provided on the rear part, side shield, of the vehicle body. The saddle compartment locks only provide the function of locking the fuel tank or the utility box secured from any unauthorized access.
[0003] Whereas the steering shaft lock provided under the handlebar assembly serves as a means to control the functioning of the prime movers provided in the vehicle such as an ignition engine or an electric motor. Traditional steering shaft lock comes with a matching key which is inserted into a keyhole provided in the steering shaft lock.
[0004] Other available steering shaft locking systems are based on wireless key remote. The wireless key remote enables the user to control the locking and unlocking of the steering shaft lock from a predetermined distance. The system comes with a blinker and flicker features to confirm whether the vehicle is locked or not.
[0005] There are locking systems available, which are keyless and are based on remote locking by keyless entry. Such systems are embedded in a card, which can be carried along in pockets or in bag as per the user’s convenience. Once the key card is in proximity to the vehicle, the vehicle gets unlocked.
[0006] Also, there are electronic locking system which incorporates multiple modules secured to the rotating shaft of the motorcycle provided with a locking bolt and other module located to the frame of the motorcycle which is stationary with respect to the rotating shaft of the motorcycle. Further, there are electric steering lock which has a separate positioning switch and the user has to press a lock/unlock button which makes a spindle of electric steering lock insert into an insertion hole of the steering system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The detailed description is described with reference to an embodiment of a scoter type saddle vehicle along with the accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[0008] Fig. 1 illustrates a left side view of an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0009] Fig. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the present subject matter depicting the steering lock system in the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00010] Fig. 3 illustrates one or more position of the handlebar assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00011] Fig. 4 illustrates a flow chart to depict the method to actuate the steering lock system in the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00012] The existing mechanical key-based locking system needs precise positioning for inserting into the keyhole, which serves an obstacle during low light condition. Many a times the user leaves the vehicle unattended to avoid the hassles associated with the mechanical keyhole. In such a situation the vehicle can easily fall prey to theft. Additionally, leaving the steering shaft unlocked makes the handlebar assembly rotate, which can cause the vehicle to lose balance and fall off from a parked condition. If the vehicle is left unattended without locking the steering shaft and balance on a side stand, it makes the vehicle susceptible to damage due to fall.
[00013] Whereas a wireless key locks and unlocks the steering column by first actuating a servomotor to bring the handlebar assembly in a desirable position and then a separate controller is dedicated to function locking and unlocking of the steering shaft. The wireless key based locks need a separate controller to actuate the servomotor as well as for providing commands for locking and unlocking function. Also, to run a servomotor, an additional battery is required which demands frequent charging. The wireless key based locks require mandatory activation by the user to initiate the locking or unlocking operation. Therefore, there is a need for an improved, simple, reliable and theft proof locking system for a vehicle which overcomes all above problems and other problems of known art.
[00014] Hence, the present subject matter provides a steering lock system in a vehicle in order to overcome the above-mentioned problems associated in the existing arts. The present subject matter provides a steering lock system, which is operated based on the position of the handlebar assembly of the vehicle to actuate the locking. The positioning of the handlebar is controlled manually and thereby eliminating the incorporation of any power source such as a battery. The present subject matter can be implemented in a two-wheeled vehicle or a three-wheeled vehicle which has handlebar assembly. The present subject matter eliminates the implementation of multiple module or control system for locking system or providing an addition switch/ button to actuate the locking of the steering shaft of the handlebar assembly.
[00015] Another embodiment of the present subject matter provides a handlebar position sensor which continuously senses the position of the handlebar assembly. The handlebar position sensor detects the position of the handlebar assembly and sends the signal related to the current position of the handlebar assembly to a control unit (e.g. an engine control unit).
[00016] Still another embodiment of the present subject matter provides a key unit which is connected to the control unit. The key unit secures the vehicle against any attempt to theft and also the key unit can be controlled by the control unit to lock the sheering shaft. The key unit can be connected to the vehicle control unit by a dedicated CAN (controller area network) bus line or through wireless means.
[00017] Yet another embodiment of the present subject matter provides an electronic lock provided in the handlebar assembly which gets actuated by the key unit after receiving a signal from the control unit based on the detected position of the handlebar assembly. The control unit can be connected to the electronic lock, directly, to enable the locking function of the steering shaft in the absence of a key unit.
[00018] Another embodiment of the present subject matter is to provide a start switch which provides vehicle status to the control unit. When the vehicle remains in ON condition (idle condition) or is in running condition, then the control unit does not enable the key unit to activate the electronic lock in the handlebar assembly. When the start switch is switched OFF or the vehicle is not in running condition then the control unit starts checking for the position of the handlebar assembly.
[00019] Still another embodiment of the present subject matter provides determination of one or more position of the handlebar assembly. One position is the handlebar locking position when the control unit triggers the actuation of the electronic lock through key unit and the other position is the handlebar un-locking condition when the ECU does not trigger the actuation of the electronic lock though key unit.
[00020] Yet another embodiment of the present subject matter provides an indication device connected to the control unit. When the electronic lock gets actuated to lock the steering shaft of the handlebar assembly then the key unit sends the message to the control unit and then the control unit send the message to the indication device to enable the user to know that the steering shaft of the handlebar assembly is locked. Indicator device can be illuminating device such as an LED device mounted on an instrument cluster of the vehicle or the indicator device can be an alarm device such as a beeper. A wireless mobile phone can also be used as an indication device. The control unit sends a message to the wireless mobile phone through a telematic unit by sending an alert message when the vehicle gets locked.
[00021] Still another embodiment of the present subject matter provides a method to actuate a steering lock system in a vehicle. First the control unit checks whether the vehicle is in OFF condition or not. When the vehicle is in OFF condition then control unit determines whether the position of the handlebar assembly is in the handlebar locking position or not. If the control unit detects the handlebar locking position then the control unit checks whether the handlebar locking position continues till a predetermined time. After keeping the handlebar assembly in a handlebar locking position for more than the predetermined time then the control unit enables the vehicle key unit and the vehicle key unit actuates the electric lock in order to lock the steering shaft of the handlebar assembly. The information related to the locking condition of the steering shaft gets transmitted to an indication device.
[00022] The exemplary embodiments detailing features regarding the aforesaid and other advantages of the present subject matter will be described hereunder with reference to an embodiment of a two wheeled saddle type motorcycle along with the accompanying drawings. Various aspects of different embodiments of the present invention will become discernible from the following description set out hereunder. Rather, the following description provides a convenient illustration for implementing exemplary embodiments of the invention. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof. Further, it is to be noted that terms “upper”, “down”, “right”, “left”, “front”, “forward”, “rearward”, “downward”, “upward”, “top”, “bottom”, “exterior”, “interior” and like terms are used herein based on the illustrated state or in a standing state of the two wheeled vehicle with a driver riding thereon. Furthermore, arrows wherever provided in the top right corner of figure(s) in the drawings depicts direction with respect to the vehicle, wherein an arrow F denotes front direction, an arrow R indicates rear direction, an arrow Up denotes upward direction, an arrow Dw denotes downward direction, an arrow RH denotes right side, and an arrow LH denotes left side. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[00023] Fig. 1 illustrates a left side view of an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The vehicle (100) illustrated, has a schematically shown frame member (105). In the present embodiment, the frame member (105) is step-through type frame which includes a head tube (105A), and a main frame (105B) that extends rearwardly downward from an anterior portion of the head tube (105A). The main frame (105B) extends inclinedly rearward to a rear portion of the vehicle (100).
[00024] The vehicle (100) includes one or more prime movers that are connected to the frame member (105). In the present implementation, one of the prime movers is an internal combustion (IC) engine (115) mounted to the frame member (105). In the depicted embodiment, the IC engine (115) is mounted to a structural member (135) that is pivoted to the frame member (105). In one embodiment, the structural member (135) is a rigid member made of metal. The vehicle (100) also includes another prime mover, which is an electric motor (120). In a preferred embodiment, the electric motor (120) is hub mounted to one wheel of the vehicle (100). In another embodiment, more than one electric motor is mounted to wheels of the vehicle. In the depicted embodiment, the vehicle (100) includes at least two-wheels and the electric motor (120) is hub mounted to the rear wheel (125) of the vehicle. A front wheel (110) is rotatably supported by the frame member (105) and is connected to a handle bar assembly (130) that enables manoeuvring of the vehicle (100).
[00025] Further, the vehicle (100) includes a high capacity on-board battery (not shown) that drives the electric motor (120). The high capacity battery may include one or more high capacity battery packs or one or more low capacity cells. The high capacity battery can be disposed at a front portion, a rear portion, or at the centre of the vehicle (100). The high capacity battery is supported by the frame member (105) and the vehicle (100) includes plurality of body panels, mounted to the frame member (105) for covering various components of the vehicle (100). The plurality of panels includes a front panel (140A), a leg shield (140B), an under-seat cover (140C), and a left and a right side panel (140D). A glove box may be mounted to a leg shield (140B).
[00026] A floorboard (145) is provided at the step-through portion defined by the main frame (105B). A seat assembly (150) is disposed rearward to the step-through portion and is mounted to the main frame (105B). The seat assembly (150) that is elongated in a longitudinal direction F-R of the vehicle (100) enables the user to seat and operate the vehicle in a saddle ride-type posture. One or more suspension(s) connect the wheels (110), (125) to the vehicle (100) and provide comfortable ride. The vehicle (100) comprises of plurality of electrical and electronic components including a headlight (155A) movably supported on a head tube (105A), a taillight (155B), a starter motor (not shown), a horn etc. Also, the vehicle (100) includes a master control unit (not shown) that takes control of the overall operation of the vehicle (100) including the function of the IC engine (115), the electric motor (120), charging of the batteries from a magneto/integrated starter generator (ISG), driving of loads by the magneto/ISG, charging of the high capacity batteries by the electric motor operating in generator mode, and any other operations associated with the operation of the vehicle (100).the vehicle (100) can be a two-wheeled saddle type or a three wheeled vehicle.
[00027] Fig. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the present subject matter depicting the steering lock system (200) in the vehicle (100). The steering lock system (200) comprises a handlebar assembly (130) with a steering shaft (206) (top view). The handlebar assembly (130) is provided with a handlebar sensor (201) to detect the position of the handlebar assembly (130) when rotated clockwise or anti-clockwise thereby rotating the steering shaft (206) as well.
[00028] The handlebar sensor (201) starts sensing the position of the handle bar assembly (130) the moment start switch (not shown) switches OFF the prime mover of the vehicle such as the engine or the electric motor. The control unit (202) receives the sensed position of the vehicle handlebar assembly (130) from the handlebar sensor (201). The control unit (202) is connected to a immobiliser key unit (203) through a bidirectional CAN bus to allow access to the vehicle (100). The key unit (203) functions as an antitheft device or an immobiliser and prevents the vehicle (100) from starting if authentication process fails. The key unit (203) in the present subject matter can function as an anti theft device (such as an vehicle immobilizer) as well as a controller to actuate the electric lock (204). The key unit (203) controls and prevents the engine from running until and unless the user authenticates the identity. The control unit is a vehicle ECU (202)
[00029] The key unit (203) receives and sends signal to the control unit (202). When the control unit (202) activates the key unit (203), the key unit actuates the locking of the steering shaft (206) through the electric lock (204) and sends back a confirmation signal to the control unit (202). The control unit (202) sends this confirmation as a message or an indication. The control unit (202) is connected to indication devices such as LED device on the instrument cluster which blinks when the electronic lock (204) gets actuated. Similarly, a beeper beeps to indicate the actuation of the electronic lock (204).
[00030] The control unit (202) can also send a message to a handheld wireless device such as smart phones. The control unit (202) communicates to a telematic unit (207) installed in the vehicle (100) and the message about the actuation of the electronic locks (204) gets displayed on the smart phone screen after the telematic unit (207) wirelessly sends the message to the smart phone.
[00031] Fig. 3 illustrates one or more position of the handlebar assembly (130). When the handlebar assembly (130) is along or after the first axis (P1) the steering shaft (206) gets locked. Whereas when the handlebar assembly (130) is along or after the second axis (P2) (any position other than first Axis (P1)) then the handlebar assembly (130) remains in unlock.
[00032] Fig. 4 illustrates a flow chart to depict the method to actuate the steering lock system (200) in the vehicle (100). In step 401, the control unit (202) checks whether the vehicle (100) is in switch OFF condition or not. The vehicle (100) can be switched OFF by a start switch provided in the vehicle which shuts down the power drive such as an engine or an electric motor. If the vehicle remains in ON condition i.e. the power drive is still operation then in step 403, no action is taken. But when the power train is not operating then the vehicle is in OFF condition and then the control unit (202) checks for the position of the handle bar assembly (130) in step 402.
[00033] The handle bar assembly (130) can be manoeuvred manually by rotating the handle bar assembly (130) in a clockwise or anti-clock wise direction. The handlebar sensor (201) keeps on monitoring the motion and the position of the handlebar assembly (130) after the vehicle is switched OFF. The handlebar sensor (201) provides the information related to the position of the handlebar assembly (130) by continuously sensing signal related to sensed position of the handlebar assembly (130) to the control unit (202). When the handlebar assembly (130) is aligned in a handlebar locking position then a timer in the control unit (202) gets enabled otherwise then the handlebar assembly (130) is in handlebar unlock- position and the control unit (201) do not perform any action. The handlebar un-lock position is a position of the handlebar assembly (130) which does not allow the steering shaft from getting locked.
[00034] Once the handlebar assembly (130) is positioned in the handlebar locking position, the timer starts the count and if the time (or the count) is greater than a predetermined time (step 404) then in step 405, the control unit (201) sends a signal to the immobiliser key unit (203) and enables the key unit (203). After the key unit (203) gets enabled in step 405, the key unit (203) actuates the electric lock (204) in step 406.
[00035] The electronic lock (204) initiates the locking operation after getting actuated by the key unit (203) and the steering shaft gets locked. As per an additional embodiment, the key unit (203) sends a signal to acknowledge the successful locking operation to the control unit (202). In step 407, the control unit (202) sends the signal to the indication device (205) about the locking of the steering shaft (206) of the handlebar assembly (130).
[00036] The indication device (205) can be a LED device mounted on the instrument cluster of the vehicle 9100). The indication device (205) can be a beeper to give beeping sound or alarm. For indication device (205), a wireless communication device such as a smart phone can be used. A telematic unit (207) connected to the control unit (202) sends the acknowledgement about the locking of the steering shaft of the handlebar assembly (130) in form if a SMS (short message service) to the smart phone. The steering system (200) can be implemented in a two-wheeled or a three-wheeled vehicle (100) which comprises a handlebar assembly (130). As per an aspect of the present embodiment, the predetermined time to wait can be set by the user of the vehicle through one or more of a instrument interface or a handheld device interface.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

vehicle (100)
frame member (105)
head tube (105A)
main frame (105B)
engine (115)
structural member (135)
electric motor (120)
rear wheel (125)
handle bar assembly (130)
front panel (140A)
leg shield (140B)
under-seat cover (140C)
right side panel (140D)
seat assembly (150)
wheels (110), (125)
headlight (155A)
taillight (155B)
steering lock system (200)
steering shaft (206)
handlebar sensor (201)
vehicle ECU (202)
key unit (203)
electric lock (204)
telematic unit (207)
indication device (205)